Weddings and ceremonies

Waterton Lakes National Park

Parks Canada encourages seeking out businesses and venues within the community to host both large and small wedding ceremonies and receptions. Contact the Waterton Chamber of Commerce for more information.

There are special conditions associated with planning a wedding ceremony in a public location in Waterton Lakes National Park. Organizers must request and submit a small wedding ceremony registration form to ensure they meet these conditions.

Locations

Small gatherings of 25 people or less are permitted at many locations within the townsite and day use areas. Wedding ceremonies are not permitted in some areas to protect ecological integrity and promote positive visitor experience.

Small wedding ceremonies are permitted at:

  • The grass along Cameron Creek, across from Cameron Falls
  • Along the lakeshore on Upper Waterton Lake, including Cameron Bay and Driftwood Bay
  • Less-visited day use areas

Wedding ceremonies are NOT permitted at:

  • Cameron Lake and Red Rock Canyon day use areas
  • On the bridges, viewing platforms or road around Cameron Falls

Visit the maps and day use area pages for more information about locations around the park.

Conditions and prohibited activities

Minimize the impact of your wedding ceremony on the natural setting and other visitors.

  • Maximum of 25 people
  • Do not cordon off areas for personal use. The park is a public place. Exclusive rights to any area are not permitted.
  • The wedding party and guests must park in designated lots. Keep vehicular traffic to a minimum (consider carpooling or using group transportation).
  • All participants must possess a valid national park pass.
  • All businesses operating within the park, including professional wedding photographers, require a valid business licence.
  • Comply with Alberta’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. Open alcohol is prohibited in public places.
  • Food, garbage, recycling, coolers, candles and all scented items must not be left unattended at any time.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Throwing of confetti (natural or synthetic). This includes paper, rice, eco-alternatives, flower petals or leaves etc.
  • Setting up tents, temporary shelters, arches and seating. Nothing can be tied to trees or existing infrastructure.
  • Using gas-powered generators or P.A./amplification systems; causing excessive noise, unruly behaviour and playing loud music.
  • Picking flowers, mushrooms, cutting down trees, branches, removing rocks or cultural artifacts or otherwise cause damage to natural objects or living things.
  • Using drones.
  • Driving off road to access a site.
  • Use of pyrotechnics and fireworks.
  • Release of live animals (e.g. doves, butterflies etc.).
  • Overnighting at day use areas.

All activities within national parks are subject to the Canada National Parks Act and regulations.

The site must be cleaned thoroughly immediately after the gathering. Organizers accept full responsibility for any incidents from use or misuse of the area.

Organizers are encouraged to check the Important Bulletins for any closures or restrictions that may impact access to their desired location.

Email: waterton.info@pc.gc.ca

Mail: Waterton Lakes National Park, Box 200, Waterton Park, AB, T0K 1W0

Fax: 403-859-5152

In Person: Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre hours vary

How to request a small wedding gathering registration form

Contact the visitor centre to request a small wedding gathering registration form. Allow at least two weeks for your application form to be processed.

The information you are providing on the form is solely used for administrative purposes. Please read, sign and return the completed form.

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